>Forsyth County Arrest Records Online

Forsyth County, North Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Forsyth County, North Carolina?

Arrest records are public documents in Forsyth County, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records created or received by government agencies in the course of conducting public business are the property of the people. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations. Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to monitor governmental activities and proceedings.

The North Carolina Public Records Law specifically defines public records to include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business." This comprehensive definition encompasses arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies operating within Forsyth County.

Access to these records promotes accountability within the criminal justice system while providing citizens with information about law enforcement activities in their communities. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office maintains these records at their headquarters located at:

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
301 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-917-7001
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Forsyth County?

Forsyth County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The county's commitment to technological advancement has resulted in the implementation of digital record-keeping systems that allow for remote access to public information. These online resources are maintained in compliance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which addresses electronic access to public records.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes recent arrest information. Additionally, the North Carolina Judicial Branch provides access to court records related to arrests through their online portal. These digital resources are updated regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of information.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency. The online systems are designed to provide convenient access while maintaining compliance with privacy protections mandated by state law. Electronic access is subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records regarding confidential information.

How to Look Up Forsyth County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Forsyth County as of 2025. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6, public agencies must provide access to public records at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:

In-person requests can be submitted at the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM). Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search.
Online access is available through the county's official public records portal, which allows for basic searches of arrest information. The Criminal Offender Search provided by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction offers additional information about individuals in the criminal justice system.
Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at:

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Records Division
301 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Criminal background checks can be obtained through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation located at:

NC State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27626-0500
Phone: 919-582-8660
Court records related to arrests can be accessed through the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court:

Forsyth County Courthouse
200 N. Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-779-6300

Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2 and are subject to change. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's office or website.

Contents of a Forsyth County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Forsyth County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by North Carolina Administrative Code (10A NCAC 13J .1402). These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of relevant North Carolina General Statutes
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest (e.g., Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Winston-Salem Police Department)
Booking information including fingerprints and mugshot photographs
Case or incident report number for cross-reference purposes
Custody status and bail/bond information if applicable
Court appearance dates and locations

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Incident Reports section provides additional information about how these records are maintained and accessed. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to fingerprint and photograph individuals charged with certain offenses, and these materials become part of the official arrest record.

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with state privacy laws and exemptions under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Forsyth County

North Carolina law provides mechanisms for the expungement (also called expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access, effectively sealing them from view by most entities. The process is governed by various statutes including N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Forsyth County include:

Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
First-time nonviolent offenses after specified waiting periods
Certain misdemeanor convictions committed before age 18 or 21, depending on the offense
Certain drug offenses, particularly those committed by first-time offenders under age 22
Identity theft victims who had criminal records created in their name

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court. Petitioners must use standardized forms provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts and pay applicable filing fees, which may be waived for indigent petitioners. The petition is reviewed by a district attorney and ultimately decided by a judge.

If granted, an expungement order directs all agencies holding records of the arrest to seal those records from public view. This includes the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Fair Chance Employment Policy of Forsyth County recognizes the importance of these provisions in supporting rehabilitation and reentry.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process can be complex and may benefit from legal assistance. The Law Enforcement Detention Center can provide information about the status of records during this process.

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